Posting cover songs on YouTube is an excellent method for expanding your audience base. However, there are rigid policies for YouTube copyright music, and its non-adherence can have your video removed—or even worse, you can lose your channel. You may sing alone, play the guitar, or record your favorite hit, but copyright laws are still applicable.

This manual simplifies all you want to know, in brief and easy words. We'll outline how cover music on YouTube operates, how copyright laws operate, and how to protect your channel. 

How to Upload a Cover Song on YouTube Without Copyright

Here's how to post covers securely:

Obtain a mechanical license: This license allows you to record and distribute your rendition of a song. Companies such as The Harry Fox Agency or Songfile can assist with that.

Use YouTube's Music Policies page: This feature informs you whether the original song is OK for covers and whether you can monetize your video.

Give credit to the original artist and writer in your description. It demonstrates good faith.

Mute or edit tracks that utilize copyright beats or samples, unless you have permission.

Go for royalty-free music in the background if you wish to avoid flagging. But remember that although the voice is yours, the song belongs to a different person. 

Will You Need Permission to Cover a Song on YouTube?

Yes. You will need specific permission for uploading cover song on YouTube. But that will depend on the usage. 

If you wish to:

Monetize your cover

Use the song in a commercial work

Distribute your cover on other platforms such as Spotify

Then yes, you absolutely require permission and an appropriate license.

Even for not-for-profit videos, it's safer to be on the side of caution and review the licensing regulations. Playing by YouTube music policy tools is a good place to begin.

YouTube Cover Song Copyright Policy

YouTube copyright policy includes Content ID, an automatic system that scans your video against a huge database of copyrighted works.

Here's what may occur when uploading a cover:

If the song is Content ID-registered, the rights holder can monetize the video for themselves by adding ads on it.

In other instances, the owner of the song might block your video globally or in specific geographies.

You could also receive a copyright strike, which is not the same as a claim. Three strikes, and you lose your channel.

To keep you updated, YouTube offers a feature known as YouTube Music Policies. You can look for the song you wish to cover and know what the policy is.

How Does Copyright Apply to a Cover Song?

Cover songs usually come with a copyright. And when you perform someone else’s song, there are two copyright elements to be aware of: 

The work – the melody, lyrics, and song arrangement.

The sound recording – the original one you record (that you can or cannot use).

When you make your own recording, you've created a new sound recording—but the original work contains a copyright. That's why you have to have a license to publish it.

Recording over a song without permission is like basing your own short film on a script written by someone else without seeking their permission. It's still their creative work.

So although YouTube may not take down your cover right away, the legal rights are still with the original artist or publisher. And they can act on it if they want to.

What Happens If I Upload a Cover Without a License?

Posting a cover song without permission can have few effects:

You Lose Monetization: YouTube may allow the video to remain, but the earnings go to the original copyright owner.

Video blocked or muted: Certain songs may not be permitted to be covered or utilized at all. YouTube might mute the audio or block your video in certain geographical areas.

Copyright claim: YouTube will alert you with a Content ID claim. This is not a strike but can still restrict the video.

Copyright strike: If the rights owner strongly protests, you can receive a formal strike. Your channel can be removed after three strikes.

Litigation: If you constantly resort to copyright infringements, it can lead to legal trouble and lawsuits. 

Avoid these issues by ensuring that the song you use is allowed for YouTube cover song uploads. And go for a copyright license when it is required. 

Wrap up

Cover songs are great to show your talent and develop a separate fanbase. It is an amazing tool to reach out to fellow music enthusiasts. But YouTube copyright music policies aren't something you should take lightly. Whether using complete tracks or simply an acoustic guitar, the policies still hold.